Canada is famous for its immense wealth of natural landscapes, fantastic nature reserves and dense forests (did you know that 10% of the world’s forests are found in Canada?). But Canada is also recognized throughout the world for its snowy landscapes.
1- WHISTLER | BRITISH COLUMBIA
Lovers of the outdoors will be blown away by this stopover in Whistler. Even more famous after its starring role in the 2010 Winter Olympics, the town is like a never-ending festival throughout the winter. In addition to the epic choice of ski runs, the bobsled track is open to the public, and you can also enjoy luge runs, skidooing, a dogsled ride or even ice-climbing! In short, it’s impossible to get bored amid the breathtaking views.
2- MOUNT EDITH CAVELL | JASPER NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA
Mount Edith Cavell is one of the most beautiful peaks in the Canadian Rockies. In the winter, you can get there by its popular cross-country ski trail, with a variety of levels of difficulty to choose from. You’ll want to lay your eyes on Angel Glacier, located at the foot of the mountain’s north face. A geological marvel, it’s divine name comes from its shape: that of an angel spreading its wings.
3-BOW VALLEY | BANFF, ALBERTA
The Rockies in winter are a dreamland! Mount Sulphur, located in theBow Valleyin the Banff region, is a real jewel whose summit calls out to hikers. It’s a tough challenge, but well worth the effort once you make it the top.
4- IQALUIT | NUNAVUT
Winter in Iqaluit means surreal landscapes and a sky filled with more stars then you’ve ever seen before. Like the Inuit who get around by dogsled in traditional wear that keeps them warm, you may want to head out deep into the immense whiteness where silence reigns and caribou and muskox wander. And if you’re lucky, you may experience the aurora borealis while you are on a Canad working Holiday visa. There’s so much to discover.
5-NIAGARA FALLS | NIAGARA, ONTARIO
Niagara Falls has always attracted droves of curious onlookers, and even in winter it’s a sight to behold. When the temperature drops, the impressive falls freeze, giving the impression the water has stopped flowing: an amazing spectacle!
6-RIDEAU CANAL | OTTAWA, ONTARIO
Did you know the city of Ottawa hosts the world’s largest natural skating rink at seven kilometres long? Strapping on some skates and meandering the Rideau Canal Skateway is a great way to enjoy the winter! If you haven’t been yet, now is the time!
7- QUEBEC CITY | QUEBEC
Quebec City reigns truly majestic in the wintertime! The Château Frontenac is like a glowing image from a 19th-century book, while the streets of the old city exude charm and romance under the snow. And there are plenty of activities, including the ice hotel, dog sleds and the frozen-over Montmorency Falls.
8-THE CHIC-CHOC MOUNTAINS | GASPÉSIE NATIONAL PARK, QUEBEC
One of Quebec’s snowy, fairy tale landscapes, the Chic-Choc mountains always have something new to discover, even for those who’ve visited several times over the years. They’re also an exceptional playground for winter mountain sports.
9- MONTS-VALIN NATIONAL PARK | SAGUENAY
Snow for miles and miles, a mountain that’s been eroded over time and breathtaking viewpoints. The impressive massif of the Monts-Valin has some fifteen peaks over 800 metres high. Its exceptional snow gives it a privileged status among snowshoers and skiers. What’s more, at the heart of the massif, the Valley of Ghosts is not to be missed!
10- COW BAY | NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia is not really known for skating, skiing or snowshoeing. On the other hand, die-hard surfers love it, particularly for its winter surfing. It appears that the greatest surfers prefer to practice their sport during the cold season because of the excellent waves. You’ve been warned!
You can explore all this by traveling to Canada on a Working Holiday Visa!!!